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Municipal property tax , known in Portugal by the acronym IMI - Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis - is calculated on the basis of the Taxable Property Value (VPT shown on the caderneta predial *) of urban and rural buildings located within Portuguese territory. * "caderneta predial" = unique certificate for each property , as a document identifying the property. Issued by the tax authorities (AT) and also known as a matrix certificate. IMI rates vary according to the type of property purchased and the municipality in which it is located. The applicable rate of IMI: varies between 0.3% and 0.45% of the VPT for urban buildings, is 0.8% for goods in the "prédios rústicos" category. IMI must be paid by owners whose names appear on the "caderneta predial" on 31 December of the year to which the tax relates . So, for a purchase made on 27 December 2021, in 2022, the person liable for IMI in 2021 is the person who purchased the property on 27 December. 📅 IMI is an annual tax payable according to the following schedule : Up to €100 : 1 single payment, to be made in May (deadline 31 May); NOTE that in 2025, the deadline for payment of IMI has been exceptionally extended to 30 June 2025 ! More than €100 and less than or equal to €500 : 2 payments, in June and November ( deadline 30 November ); More than €500 : 3 payments, to be paid in June , August and November . Note: if you do not receive your IMI collection notice by post, you can always consult it online in your reserved area on the Finance Portal ( Portal das Finanças ) by following the steps below: Cidadãos > Serviços > Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis > Consultar Notas de Cobrança > Select Year.

Are you dreaming of an escape, of sunshine, and of discovering new horizons? Whether you're a passionate golfer searching for exceptional courses or a traveler looking for new adventures in Portugal, your next getaway starts here. Allow me to introduce you to Golfasis | The Golf Travel Oasis , a trusted partner for a custom-made trip to Portugal — stress-free and at a competitive price. - Your Travel Oasis, for Simplified Golf Getaways - Say goodbye to hours spent comparing offers and juggling booking sites. Golfasis is the all-in-one solution for effortlessly organizing your golf trip to Portugal. Their mission: to offer you the best deals, directly from the source , whether you already know where you want to stay and play or need inspiration and advice to choose your resort. By working directly with hotels and golf courses , Golfasis provides a transparent service and exclusive benefits. - Benefits Designed for You, the "Traveling Golfer" - Here's why I think you'll love planning your trip with Golfasis: One Request, Zero Hassle.  Are you tired of sending multiple requests to get quotes? Save valuable time. With just one request, Golfasis handles finding the best offer for you. Zero Fees, Zero Commission.  Golfasis's services are completely free . You won't find any hidden fees or commissions in their quotes. Quotes Direct from the Source.  Thanks to exclusive partnerships with Portugal's most famous hotel chains, independent hotels, and renowned golf courses, Golfasis guarantees you access to the most advantageous offers on the market. More Value for Your Money.  Enjoy exclusive discounts and significant perks like room upgrades, restaurant vouchers, or even free practice sessions and buggies. - Your Personalized Quote in a Few Clicks - Getting your quote is incredibly simple. All you have to do is fill out one form so that Golfasis can understand all your criteria for your next trip to Portugal (hotel and/or golf course). It's fast, with no obligation, and it's the first step toward an unforgettable golf trip to Portugal. - A Perfect Guide to Finding Your Exceptional Portugal Getaway - For lovers of travel and golf, the Golfasis website is a real gold mine. Browse their catalog  of partners, updated regularly, to discover Portugal's most beautiful hotels and most renowned golf courses. And for inspiration, their blog  is full of articles dedicated to golf and stay options in Portugal. You'll also learn a lot about professional golfers, major competitions, the latest technological developments, and many other in-depth articles to enrich your golf culture. Ready to make your next golf trip an unforgettable experience? 💻📱Head to the Golfasis  website and join a community of passionate golfers and travelers by following their Instagram and Facebook accounts. 💡 Did you know? Portugal... 🥇 ...is Europe's #1 golf destination. ⛳️ ...has over 90 world-renowned golf courses. ☀️ ...offers a climate suitable for golf all year round. 🏌🏽‍♂️ ...provides exceptional golf infrastructure (courses designed by renowned architects, ultra-modern driving ranges, high-level golf academies). ♻️ ...is recognized as a proactive leader in the sustainable management of golf courses, with many courses proudly certified for their environmental responsibility. 🏞️ ...offers a spectacular variety of landscapes, allowing you to play on seaside links courses in the dunes, lush inland parklands, or mountain courses with significant elevation changes and breathtaking panoramic views.

A bit of history to start with... Santo António , Fernando de Bulhões by his baptismal name, was born in Lisbon between 1191 and 1195, in Rua das Pedras Negras, near the Sé Cathedral . In the house where he was born and where he spent his childhood, the Church of Santo António is today located (in the crypt, one of the Saint's bones is still preserved). Santo António is the Saint Patron of the city of Lisbon . A contemporary and friend of St. Francis of Assisi, Santo António is one of the most popular saints of the Catholic Church, and his image is found in various churches in Portugal, Italy, Brazil and also in the south of France. On 13 June in Lisbon , it is customary to celebrate Santo António: "o Dia de Santo António" is a public holiday in the Portuguese capital . This date refers to the date of his death on 13 June 1231 near Padua in Italy . It was therefore the city of Padua that received the Saint's body and buried it in the church of Santa Maria Mater Domini. The following year, the city decided to build a basilica in his honour, and the small church where the Saint's body rests was included in the construction. Eight centuries later, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is still a tourist attraction in Padua. During the inauguration ceremony of the Basilica, the tomb of Santo António was opened and it was found that his tongue was in an excellent state of preservation, even 40 years after his death. As a symbol of his preaching skills , the Saint's tongue was removed and placed in a reliquary, where it is still on display to the faithful today. Santo António became very popular with the Portuguese after the "miracle" that occurred at his canonisation in the Vatican in 1232 , when the bells of Lisbon began to ring inexplicably , without human intervention. Traditions in Lisbon around Santo António's Day : The streets are decorated with colourful garlands , the shopkeepers in the different neighbourhoods put basil plants (" os manjericos ") in their windows. In the popular tradition, it was the custom for young men to buy a small pot of basil (also known as lovers' herb ) to give to their sweetheart. The fact that spring and summer conditions are ideal for growing basil has contributed to the popularity of this plant. In each pot of manjerico there is a small piece of paper with a popular proverb referring to love . According to tradition, whoever receives a manjerico must take care of it and not let the plant die until the following year's festivities, when it is replaced by a new one. Participate throughout the month of June in the " Arraiais " (popular parties/gatherings with food and music) organised by neighbourhoods such as the Arraial de Benfica, Mercado de Sapadores, Vila Berta, dos Navegantes at Parque das Nações... and many others. On the evening of 12 June, the climax of the celebrations , it is typical to : Eat good grilled sardines ("as sardinhas") served on a generous slice of bread or " broa " (traditional dense cornmeal bread with a thick crust), " caldo verde " (thick cabbage soup with slices of sausage - "chouriço"), accompanied by beer or wine for the drinks part. Walking through the streets of Lisbon, dancing and singing " Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa " (It smells good, it smells like Lisbon). Popular music will be omnipresent that evening! Attend the " marchas populares " (" people's parades ", lasting 2 hours) of the different Lisbon neighbourhoods on the Avenida da Liberdade . The first parade dates back to 1932 . From the beginning, the idea was to encourage Lisbon's neighbourhoods to show their best, from costumes to music, and to prove the unity of the Lisbon soul . In the first march, only the neighbourhoods of Alto do Pina, Campo de Ourique and Bairro Alto were present. With the 1974 revolution, the following years became less favourable for festivities that some considered too closely linked to the Salazar regime. The year 1980 marked the return of the "marchas" on the Avenida da Liberdade, but without competition . The prizes and the jury returned in 1981. Each district of Lisbon dresses up according to a chosen theme and marches along singing an original song composed for the occasion. Watching the selected couples of the " casamentos" (weddings) of Santo António ". According to a Portuguese tradition from the 17th century, a woman desperate to find a husband threw her statue of Santo António out of the window and, with a good shot, hit the head of a soldier who was passing by in the street at the time. After being rescued by the woman herself, legend has it that the soldier fell in love with her and they eventually married. In line with this tradition, the Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) organises the annual "casamentos de Santo António". This is a wedding ceremony of several couples who pass by the Santo António church and go to the Sé Cathedral of Lisboa where all the weddings are held simultaneously . These weddings take place on the morning of 13 June and the bride and groom - chosen throughout the year from thousands of applications received - receive, in addition to the wedding ceremony offered by the City Council, various gifts for their future home . The bride's dress is also given away and in ancient times Lisbon's dressmakers competed with each other to win the title of the most beautiful dress. Among the famous Portuguese Patron Saints' festivals, it is worth mentioning also : In Porto and in Braga, São João (Saint John) is celebrated on the night of 23 to 24 June . The sound of the famous little plastic hammers hitting the heads of passers-by can be heard throughout the city. A magnificent firework display is fired from the Douro River. The summer solstice coincides with this date. On 29 June, São Pedro (Saint Peter) is celebrated in the regions of Sintra and Évora. Happy celebration of " Santos Populares " 🇵🇹

If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, and you are settling in Portugal for a period of more than 3 months , you must be in possession of the document known as the CRUE (‘ Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia ’), also commonly known as the ‘ stars document ’. The CRUE is valid for 5 years (indicated on the document itself). 📆 Once these 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal have elapsed, if you continue to live in Portugal, you must obtain your Permanent Resident Card - known as a ‘ Certificado de Residência Permanente ’ - from the AIMA (‘ Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo ’), which replaced the SEF in October 2023. Applications for the ‘Certificado de Residência Permanente’ must be made online via the AIMA portal. The applicant must fill in a short online form so that AIMA can arrange a future appointment for the resident's card to be issued. At the moment, you need to be very patient before you receive a reply from AIMA. It is therefore strongly recommended that you keep a record of your online application (a screen copy that can be used as a proof of registration). 🚨 WARNING : since 22 August 2024, AIMA has been alerting people to fraudulent emails circulating false information about the existence of appointments at AIMA , asking them to turn up at a specific date and time. 🚨 These emails come from " noreplyportalsef@saf-aima.pt " . AIMA recommends that you do not click on any links in these emails and reminds that the official appointments set by AIMA come from the ‘aima.gov.pt’ domain . Click here to see an example of a fake email detected by AIMA. If you think you may have been a victim of this fraud, AIMA recommends that you report it to the police.👮🏻‍♂️. ⚠️💡As the AIMA services are currently unable to respond to requests for the renewal of residence permits, a new Decree-Law has extended the validity date of all documents and residence permits relating to residence on Portuguese territory . As a result, documents - including CRUEs - that were still valid in March 2020 are considered valid and are therefore accepted by the Portuguese public authorities until 15 October 2025 . Legal basis: Decree 85-B/2025 . Laurent Goater, President of the Consular Council, communicated the following message to French residents in Portugal on 1 July 2025 : " You should refer to this when dealing with authorities who question the expiry date on the original document. This situation was created by the previous socialist government when it abolished the SEF without ensuring that sufficient resources were provided to the administration that replaced it (now the AIMA). The new government has announced a new reform of this administration, as well as a major revision of the rules governing immigration and access to nationality, which mainly concern non-European residents. "

If you're a fan of chocolate in all its forms, I'd like to share with you a favourite address where you can discover the work of a young Portuguese couple who are passionate about cocoa and proud to promote Portuguese regional products. Bombondrice was founded in 1994 in Caldas da Rainha and over the years has established itself as a high-quality brand with excellent products in the chocolate and confectionery sector. Margarida and Daniel have been running Bombondrice since 2018 . They'll be delighted to welcome you to their charming, chocolate-scented shop. A treat for the taste buds and for the eyes, their creations are so varied and meticulous. 🇵🇹 Since 2020, the business has held the ‘ Recognised Artisanal Production Unit ’ label for its chocolate, sweets and jams, biscuits and cakes production methods . Production is carried out on site (by 3 workers and the owner couple) in the large laboratory adjoining the shop. Traditional recipes reign supreme. At Bombondrice, there are no artificial chemicals, colourings or preservatives . What's more, Daniel and Margarida endeavour to work with suppliers and partners in the West of Portugal, supporting the local and circular economy, and favouring products of national origin . As you will have gathered, the quality of the products and the attention to detail are the hallmarks of this unmissable address for gourmets. Among the sweets you can find on site: chocolate bonbons in a variety of flavours: ginja, mango, coconut, hazelnut cream, lemon, etc. chocolate bars: cappuccino, fleur de sel, orange, raisin, walnut, pink pepper... 🍊🍓 homemade jams with local/regional fruit: strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkin, oranges, carrots... 🍐 pear in wine jars ‘Pera da Rocha’ regional speciality 🐰 for Easter (in season): a wide variety of chocolate eggs, with liqueur, in motifs... 🎅🏽 for the end-of-year festivities (in season): Christmas subjects in all their forms. 🛍 I invite you to discover all the products made by Bombondrice on their dedicated website 🖥 (available in English) , which I'm sure will make your mouth water. You can also order directly online . 🛣📍 Bombondrice address : Estrada Nacional 114-1 Nº89 - Casal da Crocha, 2500-287 Caldas da Rainha. To practice your Portuguese a little, here's an explanation of the benefits of chocolate - which features prominently in the shop: *See the translation at the end of the article. 💡 Before or after your visit to Bombardice... 👨🏻‍🍳🍴 If you fancy a lunch break or dinner in a typical restaurant serving top-quality traditional Portuguese dishes, I recommend you try Zé Povinho , located just next to Bombondrice. 🔎 Zé Povinho is a satirical character of social criticism, created by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and adopted as the Portuguese national personification. 📍The adress: Estrada Nacional 114-1 N85 Cruz, 2500-287 Caldas da Rainha Don't miss it... 🏖 If you haven't been to Foz do Arelho yet, I recommend that you visit the site to discover this superb viewpoint , less than 10km from Caldas da Rainha. 🌊 Geological interest : Lagoa de Óbidos is the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. A few thousand year ago, this lagoon was larger, extending beyond Sobral da Lagoa. But it has since shrank, a process accelerated by deforestation and agriculture. On the other hand, the waves and wind have pushed the beach sands inland and closed the bay. To maintain water circulation, the lagoon is artificially opened , and some areas are dredged. But these actions are temporary, returning to the initial situation in a few years. This lagoon will eventually silt up and become a marshy area in a few centuries . 🦩 Biodiversity : the ecosystem of this lagoon is very rich, gaining from contact with the sea, which allows the entry of fish, molluscs or crustaceans, saltwater animals . It is also a unique place for birdwatching , such as the flamingo and the Eurasian Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). On the beach and in the more inland areas, it is possible to see several native plant species in Portugal, such as the Sea Wallflower or Rock Samphire . ⚓️ History : In 1892 , the English steamer Roumania wrecked near Foz do Arelho, 20 miles from the coast, on its way from Liverpool to Bombay . There were 115 passengers on board, of which only 8 were saved (2 British officers and 6 Indian crew). After the shipwreck, the population rant to the beach and stole its cargo that washed up on the coast. In the salvage work carried out in 1963 , bags with various fabrics, sewing machines, rails and a dismantled locomotive were recovered from the cargo hold.  *🍫 As promised, the English translation of the benefits of chocolate: 1. Brain Chocolate consumption can stimulate the formation of serotonin and endorphins in the brain. Both substances have a major impact on people's well-being and mood. 2. Lungs The theobromine and caffeine contained in chocolate help to expand the blood vessels and bronchi. This facilitates the transport of oxygen in the blood. 3. Heart and circulatory system Theobromine stimulates the heart and the entire circulatory system. Flavonoids help to expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, thus avoiding the dangers of heart attacks. 4. Liver Recently, some types of chocolate have attracted attention due to their high cadmium and lead content. Some of the best harvests of seeds that come mainly from volcanic soils have properties that benefit the liver. 5. Stomach Theobromine and caffeine stimulate the production of acid in our stomach. Caffeine can irritate the stomach and intestines of sensitive people. However, chocolate contains polyphenols which simultaneously have a calming effect on the entire gastrointestinal system. 6. Pancreas When carbohydrates are absorbed, the pancreas produces and releases insulin. Indirectly, this leads to an increase in the formation of serotonin in the brain, affecting physical well-being. 7. Kidneys Theobromine stimulates kidney function and has a diuretic effect. 8. Intestines Recent studies have shown that the flavonoids contained in chocolate block a channel in the intestine responsible for diarrhoea. According to these studies, the absorption of flavonoids prevents this problem.

If you're one of those gourmets who can't resist a fine selection of charcuterie and cheeses , then ‘ Le 17.45 ’ is the place for you! Located right in Lisbon city centre, in the lively Bairro Alto district, a stone's throw from the famous Luís de Camões Square , this restaurant stands out for its original concept: customers choose the Portuguese and French specialities that will make up their charcuterie and cheese board. On certain evenings, the restaurant offers a Fado performance and even a cheese fondue (by prior booking). As well as the regional products on the boards, which are composed in a playful way , the restaurant also offers a fine wine list and homemade desserts . The atmosphere is both cosy and friendly . Ideal for a romantic dinner or an aperitif with friends. The friendly owner, André, shared with us his passion for fine Portuguese and French artisanal products. A delightful discovery for the eyes and for the taste buds, to be found at 📍 Rua do Norte 64 in Lisbon .

🇵🇹 Traditional Portuguese cuisine - small, unpretentious neighborhood restaurants with typical dishes and regular customers. Tebas -📍 Arroios/Penha de França O Pote -📍 Roma/Areeiro A Graça -📍 Campo dos Mártires da Patria Bacará -📍Campo dos Mártires da Patria Balcão do Marquês -📍 Marquês de Pombal Confeitaria Marquês de Pombal -📍 Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade Bica e Água -📍 São Sebastião, close to El Corte Inglés Snack Bar Duriense -📍 São Sebastião, close to El Corte Inglés Lusitana -📍 Anjos/Penha de França Portugália  -📍various restaurants : Almirante Reis, Alfragide, Alvalade, Belém, Cais do Sodré... Flor da Estrela -📍near Jardim da Estrela Tabernita Cantina  -📍 at the entrance to the Santa Clara market (near the National Pantheon and Feira da Ladra) 🍗 Assim ou Assado -📍 Alcabideche (close to Estoril) - take away only! 🦀🐟🦐 Fish and seafood specialities : A Marisqueira do Lis -📍 Intendente/Avenue Almirante Reis Cervejaria Ramiro  -📍 Intendente/Avenue Almirante Reis O Victor -📍Montijo, Margem Sul O Alcochetano -📍Alcochete, Margem Sul 🍚🥢🍤 Asian food: Big Bowl - 📍 Roma Royal Family - 📍 Estefânia Ramen Shifu - 📍Marquês de Pombal & Saldanha 🍠 🦐 Cuisine méditerranéenne, choix végétariens, végétaliens et sans gluten  : 150 gramas - 📍 Vila Franca de Xira  (you'll no doubt come across their beautiful foodtruck at events around Lisbon). 🇦🇷 Argentinian cuisine: Café Buenos Aires - 📍 Convento do Carmo/Rossio 🇫🇷 🇵🇹  Franco-Portuguese food 🧀 🐷  : Le 17.45  - 📍Bairro Alto - Cheese and charcuterie selection based on local and artisanal French and Portuguese products. Cheese fondue on Mondays. The ideal place for cosy aperitifs with fine wines or cocktails. L'Ami Malo  - 📍 Penha de França 🥩 For meat-lovers: A Carvoaria  - 📍 Anjos 🍕🍝 Italian food : Italian Republic  -📍Alvalade, 📍Saldanha, 📍Campo de Ourique La Villa Restaurante -📍Campo dos Mártires da Patria Jezzus Pizzeria -📍 Anjos Lero Lero - 📍Anjos/Penha de França (pizzas & wine bar) 🇪🇸 Spanish food : Xuventude de Galicia -📍close to Jardim do Torel 🥞🥗 Brunch/Healthy home-made food : Amélia Lisboa -📍 Campo de Ourique House of Wonders -📍Cascais 🌇🍸 Restaurants-Bars with breathtaking views/Rooftops : Terraço Editorial -📍 Baxia, facing the famous Elevador de Santa Justa Javá -📍 Cais do Sodré Bar de l'Hôtel Mundial -📍 Martim Moniz 🌊 On the seafront: Bolina - 📍Estoril Casa da Guia -📍Cascais 🥧 Traditional cakes and pastries: Pastelaria Suíça -📍close to Rossio (Praça da Figueira) Pastelaria Saga  - 📍Largo da Graça Café Gelo - 📍Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro IV 64) Confeitaria Nacional - 📍close to Rossio (Praça da Figueira) Lully 1661  - 📍 Anjos & Beato : breads, French pastries L'éclair   - 📍 Saldanha Padaria Piqueira -📍Alcochete, Margem Sul 🍨 Artisanal ice creams: Mú  - 📍Campo dos Mártires da Patria

📍 in ALBUFEIRA and the surrounding area : 🦞🦪 A Lagosteira  - excellent seafood restaurant. Close to the famous Pine Cliffs Golf Resort. 🍕 Massa Fina - traditional pizzeria 2 steps from the superb Galé beach. 🍰 Pastelaria Riviera  - wide choice of home-made pastries to enjoy on the spot in the large tearoom or to take away; on the other side of avenue dos Descobrimentos, 2 steps from the Pingo Doce supermarket, you can also take a lunch break with the daily specials offered by the 2nd Riviera shop (salads, fish and traditional Portuguese cuisine). 🥩 🍤 Refúgio Do Vicente - a wide range of traditional Portuguese dishes (cataplana, bacalhau, picanha...), meats and pizzas; 5 minutes' drive from Albufeira-Ferreiras train station.  See dedicated article . 🥗 🥩 🍤 20age - tapas and petiscos ; wide choice of appetizers and traditional Portuguese and Brazilian dishes, close to the Albufeira-Ferreiras railway station. 🐟 🍗 O Barco -traditional Portuguese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. See dedicated article . 🥢 🍤 Restaurante China - quality Chinese cuisine; large room suitable for group meals. A 5-minute drive from Galé beach. 🍕 🥗 🥪 Doçaria Almeixar - varied menu: traditional fish and meat dishes as well as sweet and savoury crepes, sandwiches, home-made pizzas, pastries and home-made ice creams. Highlight: you can eat in at any time; 5 minutes' drive from Galé beach. 🐟🥩🍤   Cozinha do Claudio  - traditional cuisine, attentive service. Large indoor and outdoor area. Quinta da Saudade  - charming traditional restaurant with a varied menu, located in Guia, between Albufeira and Armação de Pera. Excellent food and service. Delighted by the braised tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes. Setting: superb property (traditional Algarve Quinta) with🐎 its equestrian centre. 📍 in ARMAÇÃO DE PERA : 🍲 🐟 O Serol - a large seafront terrace where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes and fresh fish. 🦑 🐟 Rocha da Palha - charming restaurant directly on the beach; a few pretty straw huts in front of the place for sunbathing. 🥗 ☕️ Snack bar Fortaleza  - perfect for a light lunch (salads, toast, pastries) overlooking the ocean. 🐟 Zé Leiteiro  - to enjoy all-you-can-eat fish in a small restaurant just 2 steps from the beach. 🍗 Balbino  - traditional Portuguese cuisine, spacious restaurant, family atmosphere. 🍦🍨 N'ICE CREAM  - rua Sra dos Navegantes, the ideal place to enjoy an ice cream on a small promontory overlooking an immense sandy beach. 📍 in OLHOS DE ÁGUA : 🦑 🍗 Duarte - traditional Portuguese cuisine; very popular with locals, even in high season. 📍 in CARVOIERO : 🍦🍨 Palacio do Cône  - for delicious home-made ice creams, just 2 steps from the entrance to Carvoeiro beach. The whipped cream and wafers in the ice cream cones are also homemade! R. do Paraíso 4 8400, Carvoeiro. Also read the article Discover the caves and cliffs of the Algarve by boat 🚤 🥪🥗🐟 JOMAR  - for a relaxing break. Daily specials and a few local specialities in this small snack bar. Ideal for a plate of squid/fries/salad. Rua dos Pescadores 59. 📍 in BENAGIL : 🦑 O Pescador  - stylish restaurant 2 steps from Benagil beach. Local culinary specialities. Nice terrace. Dumar d'benagil  - small, informal restaurant. Simple but local cuisine, 2 steps from Benagil beach. Rua dos Pescadores. 📍 in ALVOR : 🦪 OstraSelect Algarve  - Ostreiculture - ONLY FOR TAKE AWAY! Estrada do Vale da Lama, Odiaxere. Tel: +351.919.463.570. Not far from the famous Palmares golf course ⛳️ 🐟 Casa do Rio   - cosy restaurant set on a cliff overlooking Alvor Bay. 📍in QUARTEIRA : 🥗 🍠 Raízes - vegetarian cuisine. 📍in FARO : 🦑 🐟 🍗 O Pitéu - nice menu with traditional Portuguese dishes - right in the city centre. 📍in CABANAS DE TAVIRA : 🐟 Pedro  - large indoor dining room; traditional local cuisine. Ideally located (Largo Armaçao da Abobora) close to the small boats that will take you across the estuary. See the article Algarve: Discover the historic heart of Tavira and enjoy a break at Cabanas de Tavira 🏖

THE RESTAURANT PERMANENTLY CLOSED AT THE END OF 2024! To wrap up a busy weekend, we went to have dinner last Friday at the Restaurant " O Balcão dos 2 Irmãos " (translate "The Counter of the 2 Brothers"), a few steps from the Ⓜ️ EntreCampos stop in Lisbon. My partner and I were charmed both by the neat, original but relaxed setting and by the quality and presentation of the dishes ordered. As a native from the French region of Auvergne, I was happy to find flavors that I had missed with the home-made pork pâté with its pickled onions . Wishing to be able to " keep some space " for the main course, we left with our remaining small timbale of starter. No waste at this address! The meat tartars (traditional and Thai version) and homemade fries from the 🇫🇷 Chef, Christophe Albouy, convinced us. Being "gourmands", we naturally couldn't resist the generous and delicious profiterole . To accompany our meal, a very nice Douro Hasso white wine , which the very welcoming owner of the place and responsible of the dining room let us select in a superb wooden fridge from the 30s. As you will have understood, we were seduced by the address and the concept. Nothing to say about the prices, which are well worth the care taken with the food. We will not miss to make discover this address to our French-Portuguese family and to come back with our 4 legged companion, because here dogs are welcome ! 🐾 What more could you ask for? Ah yes, the address: 📍 Rua de Entrecampos 25C, 1700-158 Lisboa. Their website @ https://balcaodos2irmaos.com/

Portugal continues to shine on the world gastronomic stage with the announcement of the new winners of the prestigious Michelin Guide for 2025. On 25 February 2025 , the Michelin Guide unveiled its new awards for Portuguese restaurants at a prestigious ceremony in Porto . This edition highlighted the country's culinary excellence, with several new restaurants rewarded and establishments maintaining their standing. 🍾 These new awards bring the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal to 46 (8 establishments with 2 stars and 38 with 1 star) . 👏🏽 Among the new winners, Marlene Vieira for Marlene in Lisbon and Rita Magro for Blind in Porto became the 2 women chefs to receive a Michelin star in 30 years , marking a significant step forward for female representation in Portugal's top gastronomy. ⭐️ 8 restaurants have been awarded their first Michelin star: Arkhe (Lisbon) Marlene (Lisbon) Yoso (Lisbon) Grenache (Lisbon) Palatial (Braga) Oculto (Vila do Conde) Blind (Porto) Vinha (Vila Nova de Gaia) ⭐️ ⭐️ The two-star restaurants maintained their rankings, confirming the stability and excellence of the Portuguese gastronomic scene: Alma (Lisbon) Antiqvvm (Porto) Belcanto (Lisbon) Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (Leça da Palmeira) Il Gallo d’Oro (Funchal) Ocean (Porches) The Yeatman (Vila Nova de Gaia) Vila Joya (Albufeira) In addition to the stars, the Michelin Guide has awarded a Green Star to Encanto  in Lisbon, underlining its commitment to sustainability. In Portugal, 6 restaurants have been awarded a Green Star. 5 new restaurants have also been awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction , rewarding excellent value for money. In Portugal, 28 restaurants hold the Bib Gourmand distinction. For the 2025 edition, the Michelin Guide is adding 35 new restaurants to its list of recommended establishments. Portugal now has a total of 116 restaurants "selected for their high-quality cuisine" . Portugal continues to position itself as a leading gastronomic destination . Portuguese chefs are praised for their ability to reinterpret traditional dishes using modern techniques, while incorporating international influences and showcasing high-quality local produce. Congratulations to all the winners! Parabéns 🇵🇹 !

The Economic Service of 🇫🇷 of the French Embassy in Portugal monitors Portugal's economic and financial situation and publishes the main points in a monthly newsletter for the French and French-speaking community. Below is a summary of some of the key economic data and news at the start of 2025. 🔗 Source : BRÈVES ÉCONOMIQUES PORTUGAL , Direction  générale du Trésor . 📈 Macroeconom ic indicators : Macroeconomic indicators 2023 2024 2025 GDP growth (%) +2,3 +1,7 +2,2 Public balance (% of GDP) 1,2 1,0 0,3 Debt (% of GDP) 97,9 95,9 93,3 Unemployment rate (%) 6,5 6,4 6,4 Harmonised index of consumer prices (%) +5,3 +2,4 +2,1 🤖 🏦 Companies : Portuguese companies are lagging significantly behind their European counterparts in the adoption of artificial intelligence . According to Eurostat, just 8.63% of Portuguese companies say they have integrated AI into their processes. By way of comparison, Denmark is top of the class with 27.6%, with Romania in last place with 3.1%. Portugal's Public Investment Bank (BPF) is preparing to launch a €6 billion credit line to stimulate new investment. 🛫 The Portuguese government has approved the bid by Vinci-owned ANA (Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea/Aerports and Air Navigation) to build a new airport (to be named Luís de Camões). This project involves the construction of 2 runways with a possible future extension to 4 runways. Estimated cost of the project = €8.5m . 💶 Prices, inflation, debt : Inflation rate in 2024 = 2.4%. For 2025, inflation forecast to fall to 2.1% (according to the Bank of Portugal). In December 2024, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were 28% higher compared to 2021. 🏠 Property market prices rose by 3.7% at the end of 2024. According to Eurostat, r ents have risen by 44% in Portugal since 2010 , compared with 26% in the EU. €7.7bn = record level of consumer credit between January and November 202 Unemployment : Unemployment rate in December 2024 = 6.4% (lowest rate since August 2024) . 🇪🇺 Budget plan and public debt : The Portuguese government forecasts a budget surplus of 0.3% in 2025 . Public debt forecast for 2025 = 93.3% of GDP . Portugal's debt ratio is the 6th highest in the EU . 🧾 Simplification of tax procedures : Several tax simplifications have been announced by the government for 2025: more than 3,000 taxes will be modified with the aim of making it easier for individuals and businesses to manage their tax obligations (including IUC, ISV, IRS...). 🇫🇷 🤝 🇵🇹 Politics : 27-28 February 2025: State visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Lisbon and Porto . The last state visit by a French President to Portugal was in 1999 between Jacques Chirac and Jorge Sampaio . RQ: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has been President since 2016. The next presidential elections in Portugal are scheduled for 2026 .

Buying and/or selling cars between private individuals is commonplace. It's a quick and, in some cases, cheaper way of acquiring a second-hand vehicle or selling a car you no longer need. 🔑 Transfer of vehicle ownership 🚘 After the purchase/sale, the buyer and seller must go to the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado ( IRN ) or an ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal) office to transfer ownership of the vehicle. 🧐 The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) is a public institute under the indirect administration of the State, with administrative autonomy and competent throughout the national territory. It is placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice . The IRN was created in 2007 , succeeding the General Directorate of Registries and Notaries. The IRN accompanies the life cycle of citizens, from birth to death, and that of companies, from creation to disappearance . If you need legal proof for an important event in your life , such as birth, marriage, obtaining nationality, ownership of land or a car, the IRN issues a registration certificate and is the only competent entity to do so . 🇵🇹 The IRN has more than 430 registration offices spread throughout the Portuguese territory and the Autonomous Region of the Azores. To formalize the sale, the buyer and the seller must complete the " Modelo Único/Requerimento de Registo Automóvel " 🔗 the seller must complete and sign the document as a passive subject , the buyer must complete the same document and sign it as the active subject . 🗓 This registration must be carried out within 60 days of the purchase or sale of cars between private individuals. Once the request has been made, you will receive a receipt ( guia or comprovativo ) valid for 1 month . ⚠️ The seller must keep a copy of the registration form. 🔧 When buying or selling a car between private individuals, the seller is not legally obliged to cover repairs in the event of a future breakdown for a certain period - known as the warranty. This obligation only exists when the transaction is carried out through a professional seller. However, if the car is still under statutory warranty, the warranty is transferred and remains valid until the expiry of the offer period from the date of first purchase . 🛣 Vehicle insurance 🚨 🙅🏽 Car insurance is not transferable from the seller to the buyer. For the buyer: Take out car insurance that is tailored to your needs and your new car. The ASF ( Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões ) website allows you to find out, from the vehicle's registration plate, whether it is insured and with which insurer. For the seller: For safety, hand over the car only after the buyer has presented the insurance certificate . If you own another car, you can transfer your insurance policy to it. 💡 As a reminder - in Portugal, the display of the car insurance sticker on the vehicle's windshield is no longer mandatory since July 2023 , according to a law published in the Diário da República, which also removes the associated fines. Law No. 32/2023 🤳🏽 Electronic proof of insurance (e.g. presented from a smartphone) is sufficient.